Republican Candidate Opens 138th District Headquarters

August 21, 1986|The Morning Call

Republican Jim Oakes opened the headquarters of his campaign for the 138th Legislative District seat yesterday, thanking the volunteers and workers who have been with him from the start of his campaign two years ago.

As an audience of 70 people watched in the headquarters at 5965 Nor-Bath Blvd., on the ground floor of the Olde World Inne, Oakes said the campaign began as a "partnership with the people."

"I have committed myself to being a full-time representative who will be accessible to all the people of the district," he promised.

He said he walked 155 miles on tours through the district and will continue his walking every day. The issue raised most by people he met during his walks, he said, is the lack of jobs.

Oakes said of his walks that "people want someone they can talk to, someone to listen."

And, he said, "This campaign is growing steadily stronger day by day. I invite you to become a part of this groundswell of support. Together, we can make a difference."

Oakes lost the election two years ago by 33 votes to Democrat Frank Yandrisevits.

The importance of getting people out to vote was emphasized by Robert Landis, an aide to U.S. Rep. Don Ritter, R-15th District, and state Rep. Leonard Gruppo, R-137th District.

Gruppo said control of the State House "teeter-totters by a few votes," and the election of one or two people can shift the power from the Democrats to the Republicans. He encouraged the audience to continue to support Oakes and said it is "extra-important we elect Oakes to the House."

Among those at the ribbon-cutting were Northampton County Republican Chairman Larry Kisslinger, Bethlehem Republican Chairman Morris Pulley, and Easton GOP Chairman Tom Severson.

The headquarters will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.